Memories of St Patrick's & St Brigid's College, Claudy recalled as the school celebrates its 60th anniversary

ABOVE: PAT GILLEN (OFFICE MANAGER)

Name: Mrs Pat Gillen

Role: Office Manager/Principal’s Secretary

Working at St Patrick's and St Brigid's for nine years

When I joined SPB College from another school in 2015 I only knew one member of staff and I was very apprehensive starting afresh after over 30 years in other schools.

My worries were alleviated within minutes with the welcome I got from staff especially the office staff at the time who were amazing and made me feel at home from day one.

When the teaching staff arrived they also were most welcoming and within a week I felt as if I was “part of the furniture”. The most notable thing about SPB College is its welcoming atmosphere for everyone from pupils to parents to visitors to staff and I believe that it is special in that everyone can feel the family/community spirit as soon as they come through the door.

I would like to thank all of those I have worked with and those I currently work with for all of the cherished memories and also thanks to all of the families I have liaised with over the years.

ABOVE: LAURA ANN O'KANE PICTURED WITH HER SON FRANK

Name: Laura Ann O’Kane (O’Neill)

Role: Trainee Assistant Content Producer at BBC Radio Foyle/ Ulster

Attended the school for three and a half years

I have great memories of my time at St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s. I had an amazing school year that still keep in touch. We’ve had our 10, 20 and even a 25 year reunion and will keep them going. Our teachers were amazing, not just for their teaching abilities but their handling of the angst and drama of adolescence. Tempers could be raised, on both sides, but what always came through was a sense of respect between pupil and teacher.

Memories include the stampede for the canteen and the beautiful chicken and broccoli pasta bake, Mr Burns scaring the absolute b’jaysus out of us with ghost stories on Duke of Ed camping trips, calling Mrs Toner Mammy, Mr Rigney’s eyebrows silencing a room, the craic in Mr McCance’s class, Mrs Gallagher’s love for all things music, group chats about the important stuff with Mrs P Kelly after PE and with Mrs M Kelly in form class. The Gaeltacht and Miss Kennedy driving there to take us out for lunch. Mrs Harvey being the funniest teacher I had ever met and Mr O’Hagan who is still imparting words of wisdom to this day. I was feeling a bit useless that a project I’m working on has been on the back burner for years to which he advises, ‘not to worry, just think of it like a fine pasta sauce, it’s marinading there on the back burner and it will be done when it’s done’.

I left St Patrick’s & St Brigid’s with confidence and a sense of belonging which meant more than any grades. I did get good grades too though, second overall - thanks John Dooher!

ABOVE: CATHY CONVILLE (TURTON), THE FORMER HEAD OF GEOGRAPHY

Name: Mrs Cathy Conville (Mrs Turton)

Role: Retired teacher

Former Head of Geography/ Head of Year/ P.R. and Marketing/ S.L.T

I qualified in 1982 and became a substitute teacher in various schools within the Derry area. St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s was definitely my favourite and I couldn’t believe my luck when I was made permanent a few years later and subsequently Head of Geography.

I have so many happy memories of my time here working with four different principals, from my temporary employment in 1982 until my retirement in 2018. Our school thrived over the years and it was a special time when Mr McCauley was awarded Principal of the Year in 2006 and we achieved Specialist Status in 2007.

A highlight of each year for me was always results day in August. It never disappointed with pupils and staff celebrating their great achievements. We were always so proud of our exemplary results due to our wonderful pupils and committed staff.

The cricket team was also always a source of pride for me as we were unbeaten in our league for two consecutive years. At this time many new extra curricular activities were offered to our pupils, including pony club and chess club.

Of course being a Geography teacher allowed my department (which in the early years included Mr Toner and Dr O’Donnell and in latter years Mrs Mc Ivor and Mrs O’ Connor) to take all year groups on field-trips to local areas but also school trips to far and wide places. When I meet pupils now it is these expeditions that first come to their mind.

I have also fond memories of a very hands-on P.T.F.A. composed of parents from as far as Culmore to Park village and beyond. This group of parents, classroom assistants, teachers, friends and Shaun McLaughlin had a great relationship. We had great support from the local businesses and our main ethos was to enrich the lives of our pupils which the P.T.F.A certainly did.

Throughout my 30 year career, there were also other poignant memories; unfortunately as a school community we have lost pupils, staff members and staff family members due to tragic accidents and illnesses. At these times we all pulled together to support each other and that guidance and support epitomises what our school stands for.

On a lighter note, it was always a source of amusement to my colleagues when a P7 pupil visiting the school or a year 8 pupil said: ‘You used to teach my granny’. Then of course I would have to quiz them as to who their granny is.

I have made lifelong friends from my career in St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s College and I’m always delighted to meet past pupils who have nothing put praise for our little gem in the countryside. I wish Mr McCullagh every good wish as he takes our College on it’s next chapter. I know he will have brilliant support from parents and a wonderful staff to assist him.

For now, I intend to continue enjoying my retirement but I am forever thankful for the happy years I spent at St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s College.

St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s College congratulations on your 60^th Anniversary.

Name: Shane Higgins

Role: Teacher of English

Teaching at the school for the last 23 years, 2001-present.

W.B. Yeats famously explained that “education is not about the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.” As I embarked on my teaching career back in September 2001 I too was imbued with that same zeal and enthusiasm that typified Yeats’ sentiments. However, reflecting on over 20 years in St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s College I can genuinely testify at that, “fire,” is still very much alive- a fire that ignites in each student a sense of pride, envelopes them with a strong value in community and provides them with the necessary skill set necessary for life in the 21^st Century.

None of this would be achievable without the excellent staff that I have been privileged to work alongside. My very first memories of St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s College are synonymous with the then Principal, Mr Jack McCauley. A man whose knowledge of all things education was coupled with a diligence and vision which was infectious not only for staff but for pupils alike. His mantra, “If it is to be, it is up to me,” is an axiom which still resonates strongly in the College today.

Life in our College would not be the same without its superb Support Staff. From secretarial staff to Classroom Assistants all have played a vital role in our school Community. I fondly remember our late Building Supervisor Mr Brendan Feeney. As a fledgling Claudy teacher Brendan kept me, “right,” and on more than one occasion gave invaluable advice. I can still hear him merrily singing as he went about his work.

Above all else our College would not be the same without its magnificent pupils and the wonderful families that they come from. I have been blessed to be part of their lives and to see each pupil transform into responsible and mature 16 year-olds. I am sure no other job allows you to share in such experiences.

As we celebrate our 60^th Anniversary that flame which started so many years ago continues to grow from strength to strength. May the happy experiences for so many continue, may we continue to provide a first-class education for all, and may we be blessed knowing that we are all part of a very special school community.